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It's
So Nice To Be Back Home Where She Belongs
RIVERSIDE,
CA - Just as Dolly Levi makes her glorious return to the Harmonia
Gardens Restaurant, the musical "Hello Dolly" returns
to the stage of the Riverside Performing Arts High School (at Ramona) 26 years
after their first production of this popular musical. Under the
direction of Robin Speer, the splendor and wonder of the early 1900's
came to life with faced-paced choreography, soaring voices and the
"usual lightning service." It was difficult to leave
the theater without humming the memorable tunes of composer and
lyricist Jerry Herman. Although the melodies are familiar to
most theater-going audiences and fans of the Barbra Striesand movie,
mounting a full stage production of Hello Dolly is no easy
task. Numerous costume changes for every cast member, complex dance
routines, challenging choral interludes and a sea of pantaloons is
only the beginning. The cast and crew have certainly met the
challenge.
Based
on the play The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder, busybody and
self-proclaimed meddler Dolly Levi hatches a scheme to lure the rich
and friendless Horace Vandergelder into her matrimonial trap. All the
while, she manages to find a match for all the eligible bachelors in
her path. Playing the part of Dolly Levi is Allie Harris and
Sarah Rainbolt on alternating nights. While onstage for almost
every moment, each actress gives a splendid, yet completely unique
performance. Miss Harris has impeccable comedic timing and
"sold" every song with conviction. Miss
Rainbolt's approach was quite refined and elegant as she filled the
theater with her lovely singing voice. Both these
actresses are certain to have successful acting and singing
careers if they choose that path.
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Sarah
Rainbolt as Dolly  Allie
Harris as Dolly
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Newcomer Stephen
Pierce, and senior Jacob Ragsdale alternately play Horace Vandergelder,
the grumpy old man who owns the local hay and feed
store. Both giving excellent performances, Jacob stays true to
the traditional Vandergelder grumpiness while Stephen shows a more
sensitive side, which actually works quite well, lending more depth to
the role. Playing the goofy, yet charming Cornelius Hackl is Jon
Maxwell and Steven Palmer. Both young men are fine actors with soaring
energetic voices. Cornelius' sidekick is Barnaby Tucker (Jeremy
Wiley), who thinks only of a stuffed whale and how many cents he has
left in his wallet. Wiley's characterization is outstanding and
keeps the audience laughing throughout the production. Keep an
eye him, he is sure to go far in theater.
Other
amazing actresses include: Kelsey Harold and Megan Wiese who play
Irene Malloy singing "Ribbons Down My Back" with
beauty and class; Brianna Briseño and Whitney VandenRaadt play the
ever-adorable Minnie Fay. With very little spoken dialogue to work
with, Kelsey Upward
& Erin Nelson are very cute playing the part of the constantly
whining Ermengarde. With their partner, Matt Wine, they dance
all over the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant with grace and
energy. Other notable cast members are Mandy Sparkman
playing Ernistina, Jaime Printz playing Rudolph, Jennifer Small
as Mrs. Rose and the comical judge with his judicial profile
(beacon of justice) is played by Matthew Thompson-Moore.
Staying
true to the period, Robin Speer's Choreography is a vision,
particularly during the show-stopping "Put On Your Sunday
Clothes," and the dynamic "Waiter's Gallop,"
which is worth the price of admission. With vocal direction by
Rick Woodbury and the outstanding orchestra led by Paul Salyers,
the cast and crew of "Hello Dolly" have created an
evening of theatrical enjoyment. Don't miss the triumphant
return of Dolly Levi. The show runs May 6-8 at
7pm.
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Kelsey
Upward & Matt Wine
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